9 of the best new anti-ageing face sunscreens for all skin types, tested by beauty experts
Most of us are aware we should be applying sunscreen year-round, even when it's grey and cloudy outside. It's well known that an SPF can block sunburns and prevent skin cancer, but many dermatologists agree that it's also the best skincare product for slowing signs of ageing, such as hyperpigmentation and wrinkles. Which is exactly why we should all get into the habit of wearing sunscreen every day (if you aren't already doing so).
The key to consistency is finding a face sunscreen that you love. To make that search a little easier for you, we at YOU magazine have been testing a bunch of new SPFs (some even on holiday). So, scroll down for nine of the very best face sunscreens you can buy for summer, reviewed by the YOU team.
£25 Shop
Who tested it? Rosie Green, beauty editor
Skin type? Rosacea prone
Age? 51
Why we love it? I've finally found sunscreen nirvana and it comes in the form of La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVAir SPF 50+. Why is it so good? Well, it feels weightless on the skin. Sinks in quickly. Leaves no white cast. It smells heavenly (fresh, but not overly scented). And it doesn't make my skin feel greasy or trigger my rosacea, just lightly hydrates. It feels like a pleasure not a chore. Frankly, it's a skincare miracle.
Laneige Hydro UV Defense EX SPF 50
£26 Shop
Who tested it? Charlotte Vossen, deputy digital editor
Skin type? Sensitive
Age? 29
Why we love it? There are four things I look for in a face SPF; it needs to be fragrance-free, hydrating, offer broad spectrum protection and have an SPF rating of 50 or higher, and deliver a dewy finish without looking greasy. I had high hopes for this as I'm obsessed with Korean sunscreens, and while it does deliver on three of the four – it's lightweight yet hydrating, offers SPF 50+, and gives the skin a fresh glow – it does contain fragrance.
£31 Shop
Who tested it? Jessica Carroll, junior style editor
Skin type? Combination
Age? 28
Why we love it? I loved trying out the Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow SPF 30. It's a really light consistency which is great as it meant it absorbed really quickly and didn't require much rubbing for the white cream to disappear into my skin. I like to wear makeup over my SPF and this didn't make my makeup pile or slip off. It also has a really nice watermelon smell which might put some people off but I loved it. The only thing I would change would be to make it a SPF 50 as I like as much protection as possible with my SPF.
£20 Shop
Who tested it? Lila Flint-Roberts, senior bookings editor
Skin type? Sensitive
Age? 30
Why we love it? It's very lightweight, absorbs quickly, doesn't leave a white cast and is actually quite glowy, like a primer. It's not scented but has a slight tang owing to the vitamin C. I reapplied every hour while I was on holiday in Tuscany and it built quite nicely – didn't go too claggy or flakey! At £20 it's also affordable, so I'd definitely repurchase.
The Organic Pharmacy Daily Mineral SPF 30 UV Protection
£45 Shop
Who tested it? Marion Jones, sub editor
Skin type? Sensitive and dry
Age? 62
Why we love it? Its holiday feel isn't quite what I want in the city - although the scent disappears as soon as it's smoothed on – and application is serviceable rather than luxuriant. But then, heaven, it has an invisible matt finish and, though just SPF 30, its mineral filters and botanicals prevent the usual pink hue my pale skin develops at the first hint of sun. I always prefer eco products and this one is impressive.
Rituals The Ritual of Namaste Daily Moisturiser SPF 50
£40 Shop
Who tested it? Sophie Hines, digital and lifestyle editor
Skin type? Normal
Age? 37
Why we love it? I didn't actually realise that Rituals do SPFs – I associate the brand more with bath and body products – but I really liked this product. It's great to see such a high factor SPF combined with a moisturiser, as many of the moisturisers I've tried before are closer to SPF 15 than 50. It feels light but nourishing on the skin, and goes well under make-up without making my face all shiny (a personal hate!). I think it would be hard for this to tear me away from La Roche-Posay SPF, especially with a £40 price tag, but I certainly think it's a good all-rounder.
Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 30
£32 Shop
Who tested it? Scarlett Dargan, features writer
Skin type? Combination
Age? 26
Why we love it? I was initially a bit worried because I often find new products (in particular, new SPFs) clog up my pores and cause me to break out. But I honestly cannot recommend this product enough. It's so velvety to apply, soaks in instantly, feels weightless when on and layers perfectly under make-up. The grippy primer claims on the packet are definitely true! I struggle with an oily T-zone when I'm on holiday but this didn't cause any greasiness, made my pores look smoother, and meant I didn't burn, at all, during my trip to Turkey (and I'm ginger, so that's impressive). I'll definitely be using this from now on.
£77 Shop
Who tested it? Natasha Tomalin-Hall, creative director
Skin type? Sensitive
Age? 37
Why we love it? Having sensitive skin means I have to be really careful with SPF as it can quickly cause upset and breakouts. This formula was really gentle and caused no stress to my skin whatsoever. The smell was neutral and the texture quite light. On application the product took a little time to absorb and went on quite white initially, but once absorbed it wasn't greasy and almost totally disappeared. It cost a little more than I would usually spend on SPF but worth it for the feel and efficacy. I would buy it again.
£50 Shop
Who tested it? Sophie Dearden-Howell, fashion director
Skin type? Combination
Age? 34
Why we love it? This SPF serum has a shimmer and tint that looks quite dark when you first apply it, but as you rub it in, it adds a healthy glow. It's on the thicker side, so I'd wait a minute and let it absorb in the skin before applying make-up, but it does make for a really gorgeous base. Plus, I love the packaging – it's super easy to use and you don't have to worry about it exploding in your wash bag.
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